This quick overview provides a common path to certification but the order may vary depending on
circumstance. Auditees are advised to study documents careful and book audits well in advance.
Summary of the Certification Process click
here

Relevant Interpretation Guidelines (in order to better understand questions and expectations
in the audit).

Optional

PrimusGFS-approved training centers offer courses which may help with understanding the
scheme requirements. The first three days of the training are offered to both auditors and
auditees. See
here
for details about the training centers and
here
for a calendar of training events.

4)

Choose a certification body (CB) to work with. Approved PrimusGFS CBs can be
found
here.

4.1)

Talk with the CB about your audit needs and double check that you have the correct audit
scope & operation types. Extending the scope of an audit post-certification is difficult & not
always possible; it is important to have all your products & processes covered in the audit you
are booking.

Consider an optional Pre-Assessment Audit if you feel it would be beneficial.

4.4)

Book your audit, but remember that new auditees need at least 3 months of paperwork
records available at the time of the audit to obtain full conformance.

4.5)

Several steps of the certification process use PrimusGFS online software e.g. application,
and corrective action recording. Your chosen CB will assist in the set up your online account and
provide assistance using the PrimusGFS auditee software.

5)

Perform a self- audit.
We strongly recommend performing a full self-audit on your operation(s). A good self-audit will
allow you to detect potential non-conformances and implement corrective actions before a
formal audit, thus improving your performance on the day of the audit.

6)

Audit performed.
The auditor will perform an opening meeting, tour and audit the operation, audit
documentation, and then hold a closing meeting. We recommend that you ensure the auditor
leaves you a document/emails you copy of the detected non-conformances either on the day
of the audit or within 24 hours of the audit, so that you are immediately ready to start the
corrective action completion phase.

7)

Completion of corrective actions.

7.1)

Completing corrective actions can help improve your audit score.

7.2)

Auditees have thirty (30) days from the day of the audit to complete and record corrective
action work. Please see
here
for instructions of recording corrective actions.

8)

Certification decision.

8.1)

Once the audit report and corrective actions are competed, the CB will review all of the details
in readiness for the certification decision.

8.2)

CBs are supposed to issue certificate decisions within forty-five (45) days of the audit date.

8.3)

Note that CBs can refuse certification not only because of failing overall or section audit
scores, but also if critical food safety issues not covered in the audit scheme have
been detected. Additionally, a CB can also refuse to certify for issues such as falsified
records, inappropriate auditee behavior, etc.

8.4)

Auditees can (in writing) appeal audit reports and certification decisions with their CBs if they
wish to do so (ask your CB for a copy of their appeals, complaints and dispute SOP).

9)

PrimusGFS Certificates

9.1)

Certificates usually valid for 12 months from the day of the certification decision (check certificate detail).

9.2)

Certificates are sent via email along with a copy of the final audit report.

Book Your Next Audit Now

Book your next audit date to be within twelve (12) months of your last audit date.

Booking as soon as possible helps ensure your next audit is performed, corrective actions are
completed, and certification decision is made before your current certification expires.

If you book longer than twelve (12) months after your last audit date, there is a strong
possibility that your current certification will expire before a new certificate has been issued.